Holiday Greetings!

Today during Daily 5, students met with me in small groups to make gifts for their families. They turned out amazing!! I can’t post the final products until after the holidays—they’re top secret ;)

During writing, students filled out Elf Applications. We discussed what it takes to be an elf and tomorrow will write why Santa should choose them to be his elves. The kids think I am having them do this project because I am an elf. Today was ugly/festive sweater day for the teachers and I went all out. A number of students are suspecting that I am an elf.

In math, students are learning a variety of ways to do 2-digit addition. Please do not discourage your child from trying a new way. Even from when I was in school, addition and subtraction were taught one way and that was the only way. Today, students are shown a variety of ways and get to choose what works best for them

Elf Application:

Parent Gifts:

                        

Morning Meeting Greeting:

Broken Hearts

     My heart is aching for the families, teachers, and community members in Newton, CT. I can’t even begin to imagine how they are feeling. I tell the students after every fire drill, tornado drill, and lock down practice how I will protect them no matter what it takes.  The kids always ask “what if” questions and I always respond with, “Your family would do whatever it takes to protect you from any danger, and at school, I’m like your mom and will do the same”.

    I am glad that the kids had the day off today and were able to be home with you or a loved one. Be sure to give them a big hug for me and let them know that I will always do my best to protect them at school. No child should EVER be afraid to go to school.

Sending love and hugs to all of you and prayers to Connecticut.

Whoops!

WOW, only one blog this week?! I’m sorry!!! Time flies when you're having fun!

First, I would like to extend a huge THANK YOU for all of your donations and support for the Hou family. All donations will be turned into Walmart/Target and Cub gift cards.

This week flew by! The students have been learning a lot about verbs and will continue to practice identifying and writing with them throughout next week as well.

We have also been working really hard in math, counting money, making change, estimating, adding 2 digits, and playing review games. We will finish Unit 4 next week.

In reading, students learned about drawing conclusions and explaining predictions. We learned about writing letters through the story of the week, Dear Juno.

Wednesday was our Pre-Student Teacher’s last day with us. The students wrote a class book for her filled with advice on what it takes to be a great teacher. We also created a list of 24 supplies that a teacher needs. I went out and purchased the items and each student was able to give one of them to Ms. Paxton on her last day. She loved it.

Next week we will be making special gifts for special people in our lives. We will have a holiday celebration on Friday--Hot Chocolate, a healthy snack, and Happy Feet (the movie). 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Baby You're a Star

BIG BUMMER! I recorded the students during one of our brain breaks during writing, but YouTube muted the music. For this brain break, I turn on Prince’s “Baby You’re a Star” and give one student a red star. Everyone stops what they are doing and follows the “star’s” dance moves. Every 8-16 counts the student passes the star to another student. When the music stops, the students stop and get back to what they were previously working on. THEY LOVE IT! Here is the link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDpwAHJeDKc

Students have been working really hard on identifying verbs in their books and writing. Most of them have really caught on. Spelling tests went home today—SUCCESS! New lists will be sent home tomorrow.

Today we finished Unit 3 in math. I will correct them and send them home next week. Tomorrow we will begin Unit 4 and will be able to finish it up before winter break.

Thank you to all who have contacted me about how to help one of our students who lost their home to a fire. We are excited to begin our coin drive next week and have already received some donations. The family is very grateful for all of the support.

Music Program PLUS

Happy December!

I can’t believe how fast this year has already gone by! The 2^nd graders did a great job at Moreland Live on Friday. Menah read her poem that she wrote during an artist in residency and Alan won the audience ball. This group sets a great example for the rest of the school.

In reading, we are learning about verbs. The students have mastered nouns and are excited about using verbs in their writing. In math, we are practicing counting up to make change and doing double frames and arrows. Students will take the end of the unit test on Thursday. We will begin Unit 4 right away so we can finish it up before winter break.

Yesterday, one of our students lost their home to a fire. Next week, we are teaming up with the student council and will be doing a coin drive to help the family get back on their feet. A letter will be sent home in Friday Folders.

If you are looking for a good holiday gift for your child or any child at that, please consider books! Here is a link to our class’ scholastic book club ordering. Books are shipped to Moreland so please let me know if I need to get them home secretly.

Click here to order books: Scholastic Book Orders

 Picture from the fabulous concert last week!